Regina Spektor, Oscar the Grouch Celebrate Israel

Israel@60: A Capital Celebration, a massive 60th birthday party for the state of Israel, takes place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on the afternoon of June 1.

The free affair will be emceed by stage and screen actor Mandy Patinkin (all together now: "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."). It features performances from songwriter Regina Spektor and Israeli rockers Mashina, as well as Oscar the Grouch and his Israeli cousin Moishe Oofnik. (Does this mean Oscar the Grouch is Jewish?)

In fact, throughout the afternoon, several "Shalom Sesame" performances will take place. You do know "Shalom Sesame", right? The Israeli "Sesame Street"? Apparently-- and this is news to your quasi-gentile reporter-- this is a Hebrew school staple! All the videos they showed in Catholic school were about some guy who died.